Medical Tourism: Among the Leading Economic Sectors in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is no longer known solely for its beaches and tropical beauty. Today, the country is gaining global recognition as an emerging destination for health and wellness, with its medical tourism sector generating over USD 1.3 billion annually, placing it among the nation’s top five economic activities—alongside traditional tourism, medical device exports, gold, and tobacco.

A High-Value Sector with Cross-Cutting Impact

Medical tourism brings together healthcare, tourism, foreign investment, transportation, education, innovation, technology, and hospitality. This powerful convergence not only generates foreign exchange and quality jobs, but also contributes to the strengthening and modernization of the national health system, promoting structural improvements, standardization of processes, and the professional development of healthcare personnel.

This segment represents a major opportunity for economic diversification, enhances the country’s brand positioning, and activates value chains that benefit both the public and private sectors.

A Strategic Milestone: Presidential Decree 787-21

President Luis Abinader marked a significant step forward by issuing Decree 787-21, declaring the development of health and wellness tourism a matter of national interest. This formal recognition underscores the strategic value of the sector and the need for a coordinated State policy to foster its growth.

“Medical tourism has evolved from a trend into a national development strategy with significant economic and social impact,” said Dr. Alejandro Cambiaso, President of the Dominican Association of Health Tourism (ADTS). “The presidential decree is an important milestone, but we now need to move toward implementation with a clear roadmap, institutional support, and long-term continuity.”

ADTS: Driving Force Behind the Dominican Republic’s Medical Tourism Strategy

The Dominican Association of Health Tourism (ADTS) has played a leading role in bridging the healthcare, tourism, financial, and business sectors. It has promoted international standards, driven strategic alliances, produced in-depth market studies, and hosted forums that have positioned the country before key stakeholders in the global medical tourism industry.

“The promotion of the Dominican Republic as a health destination must be approached with the same strategic vision applied to traditional tourism. We offer a differentiated value proposition, and the time has come to strongly project it in international markets,” stated Amelia Reyes Mora, Vice President of ADTS.

International Promotion: A Pending Priority

Although the Dominican Republic has the attributes to compete globally—strategic location, medical talent, cost-effectiveness, and hospitality—there is still a lack of structured international promotion of the medical tourism sector.

It is essential to incorporate medical tourism into nation branding efforts, actively participate in global trade fairs, establish strategic alliances with international platforms, and strengthen the country’s digital presence in key markets such as the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and Latin America.

Greater visibility on the global stage will attract high-value patients, generate new investment, and consolidate the country’s reputation as a trustworthy, modern, and people-centered destination for quality healthcare.

Strategic Recommendations for Sector Strengthening

To consolidate the Dominican Republic as a regional leader in medical tourism, the following actions are essential:

• Promote international certifications and accreditations to ensure service quality and patient safety.
• Combat professional intrusiveness and unaccredited facilities, protecting both the country’s reputation and patient well-being.
• Integrate medical tourism into national policies related to service exports, healthcare, foreign investment, and tourism development.
• Encourage tax incentives and financing mechanisms that stimulate investment in infrastructure and specialized human capital.
• Strengthen public-private collaboration and inter-institutional governance to ensure sustainability and a patient-centered approach.
• Design and implement international marketing campaigns, aligned with global standards and coordinated across the public and private sectors.

Conclusion: Time to Take the Next Step

Medical tourism is not a passing trend—it is a national strategy with strong potential for sustainable growth, innovation, and social progress. Recognizing it as a priority sector and integrating it into national development agendas will allow the Dominican Republic to position itself as a leading hub for health, investment, and human development in the Americas.